Ohio Marine Trades Association

Happy Fourth of July!

There’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day than making memories with family and friends on Ohio’s beautiful waterways. Whether you're cruising, fishing, tubing, or watching fireworks from the water, we hope your holiday is filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

As you celebrate, remember that the best boating trips are safe ones:
-Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
-Designate a sober operator—never boat under the influence.
-Keep a safe distance from fireworks displays and follow local restrictions.
-Be aware of increased boat traffic and watch your speed.
-Check the weather before heading out and have a float plan.
-Make sure your navigation lights are working if you'll be out after sunset.

Have a safe, fun, and memorable Fourth of July. Here's to celebrating freedom, family, and life on the water!

Happy Independence Day!

Marine Career Spotlight: Rig Technician

If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and precision, a career as a Rig Technician could be your next adventure.

Rig Technicians install, maintain, and repair rigging systems on boats, including masts, sails, cables, and steering components. They help ensure vessels are safe, reliable, and customized to meet each boater's needs while working alongside technicians and customers.

Typical Salary: $20–$30/hour
High school diploma or GED required
Vocational training preferred
ABYC and other marine certifications are a plus

Interested in this career? Visit ohiomarinecareers.com to learn more about becoming a Rig Technician and explore opportunities throughout Ohio's marine industry.

Member Spotlight: Fisher's Marina LLC

On May 15, we were proud to feature Fisher's Marina LLC as our Member Spotlight.

For more than a century, Fisher’s Marina has been a cornerstone of the Buckeye Lake boating community. Family-owned and operated since 1912, the marina has remained in the same location for 114 years, with five generations of the Fisher family helping shape its legacy.

Known for its exceptional customer relationships and loyal customer base, Fisher’s Marina has long been a leader in the pontoon boating market. The marina’s connection to pontoon boats dates back to 1957, when third-generation owner Pete Fisher purchased the second boat ever produced by Harris FloteBote. Later, fourth-generation owner Ed Fisher helped establish the marina as a pontoon specialist by focusing exclusively on pontoon boats well before the trend became widespread throughout the industry.

Today, Fisher’s Marina continues to serve Ohio boaters with sales, service, storage, docks, parts, and accessories, with Sylvan Marine as its core pontoon brand.

One of the most remarkable parts of the marina’s story is its roots. What began as a swimming beach and small boat rental operation more than 100 years ago remains part of the Fisher family’s everyday life, as they still live, swim, and spend time along the same shoreline where the business first began.

Thank you to Fisher’s Marina LLC for your longstanding commitment to Ohio boating and for being a valued OMTA member.

Grab your clubs — we’ll see you at Catawba Island Club!

The 2026 OMTA Educational Foundation Annual Golf Outing is officially open for registration. Whether you’re golfing, sponsoring, or donating a raffle prize, your support helps fund education, scholarships, and workforce development for Ohio’s marine industry.

Monday, August 31, 2026
Registration deadline: July 31

Save your spot today: https://omta.com/educational-foundation-golf-outing/

OMTA was represented by Ken Alvey at this year’s Fish Ohio event, which brought together state leaders, agency partners, and Lake Erie stakeholders to highlight Ohio’s fishing, outdoor recreation, and conservation efforts.

Throughout the day, Ken connected with key partners and shared OMTA economic impact materials to help reinforce the importance of Ohio’s boating industry within the broader outdoor recreation economy. He also helped connect Ohio Lake Erie Commission Executive Director Joy Mulinex with Mindy Bankey, Assistant Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, to discuss support for Toussaint dredging efforts.

The event provided another opportunity for OMTA to stay engaged in conversations surrounding Lake Erie, tourism, waterfront infrastructure, and the long-term success of Ohio’s boating and outdoor recreation industries.

This week, OMTA attended the America 250 Ohio: Building an Innovative Water Economy, hosted by The City Club of Cleveland as part of its Forum series. The event also served as the 2026 State of the Great Lakes forum, highlighting the tremendous environmental and economic value of the Great Lakes, which hold 21% of the world’s surface freshwater and support a regional economy of more than $6 trillion.

The discussion, moderated by Sally C. Gutierrez, former Senior Advisor, United States Environmental Protection Agency, with Bryan Stubbs, President & CEO of Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) focused on the future of the water economy, emerging challenges such as contaminants and water scarcity, and the opportunity for Ohio and the Great Lakes region to lead in water innovation. Stubbs shared how CWA is bringing together partners across utilities, universities, government, manufacturing, and technology to position Northeast Ohio as a global destination for water solutions.

For OMTA, the event was an important reminder that healthy, accessible waterways are essential to the future of boating, marine businesses, tourism, and communities across Ohio. OMTA was joined by our Board Members, Jeremiah Swetel and D. Andrew Ferguson, and partners from InterCity Yacht Club, Black Environmental Leaders, Cuyahoga Community College, and Shores & Islands Ohio.

Boat Detailer:

Love seeing a transformation? A career as a Boat Detailer puts your attention to detail and hands-on skills to work helping boats look their absolute best.

Boat Detailers clean, polish, and restore boats inside and out. From applying protective coatings and removing stains to bringing back a showroom shine, detailers play an important role in maintaining the appearance and value of every vessel.

Typical Salary: $20–$35/hour (based on experience)
No high school diploma, GED, or college degree required
Hands-on work in a growing industry
Perfect for those who take pride in a job well done

Interested in this career? Visit ohiomarinecareers.com to learn more about becoming a Boat Detailer and explore opportunities throughout Ohio's marine industry.

Member Highlight: PlasDECK Synthetic Teak Decking.

On May 22, we were proud to feature PlasDECK Inc. and President Bill Gribble as our Member Highlight.

For 25 years, PlasDECK has been manufacturing synthetic marine decking in Ohio, producing innovative products that replicate the look of traditional teak while offering durability and customization. As the only U.S.-based manufacturer in its industry, PlasDECK supplies both OEM manufacturers and consumers through an international dealer network, serving vessels from dinghies to luxury yachts.

Bill shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of Ohio’s boating industry is creating a product that enhances boats around the world. His favorite Ohio boating destinations include Vermilion and the Lake Erie Islands, and one of his favorite boating memories is cruising through the North Channel.

Thank you to PlasDECK Inc. for your dedication to innovation, manufacturing excellence, and the boating community. We are grateful to have you as a valued OMTA member.

Scholarship opportunities are open through the OMTA Educational Foundation, Inc.!

The Foundation is committed to supporting students as they pursue higher education, career training, and opportunities within Ohio’s marine industry and skilled trades workforce.

We encourage our members to share this opportunity with students, family members, employees, and anyone who may qualify. Investing in the next generation of professionals helps strengthen the future of Ohio’s boating industry and ensures a thriving workforce for years to come.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply today!
Apply by July 1st

Marine Technician:

Do you enjoy working with your hands, solving mechanical problems, and being around boats? A career as a Marine Technician could be the perfect fit.

Marine Technicians perform maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, and upgrades on boats and marine systems, including engines, electrical systems, and onboard equipment. Whether you're troubleshooting an engine issue or preparing a boat for the season, every day brings a new challenge.

Typical Salary: $24–$35/hour ($49,000–$70,000/year)
High school diploma or GED required
Mechanical experience and marine knowledge preferred
Certifications are a plus

Interested in a career on the water? Visit ohiomarinecareers.com to learn more about becoming a Marine Technician and explore opportunities across Ohio's marine industry.